Can you help police identify man seen on CCTV at Barclays Bank?

North Yorkshire Police have released CCTV images from a Borough High Street bank of a man they are trying to trace in connection with the theft of thousands of pounds from a Whitby man.

The suspect is pictured at 10.25am on 22 November 2011 entering the London Bridge branch of Barclays Bank in Borough High Street and withdrawing money he is suspected of fraudulently obtaining from the victim.

A few days earlier, the victim – a man from Whitby in North Yorkshire – had answered an advert on the classified adverts section of the PistonHeads website and bought a Nissan Navara 4x4 which was on sale for £3,500.

The vehicle would normally sell for around £10,000 and, in light of the bargain price, the victim electronically transferred the money to a Barclays account without seeing it.

The account has since been closed down by the bank due to the large amounts of money being deposited and then removed a short time later.

When he received a receipt for his purchase the victim realised he had been conned, as the vehicle details were wrong, and contacted the police.

Police enquiries have pinpointed the moment the suspect withdrew the money at the Borough High Street branch of Barclays Bank and officers are urging the public to help them identify him.

He is described as black, aged between 30 and 40 years old, with a stocky build, a shaven head and glasses. He was wearing a purple shirt over a white T-shirt, a black coat, black trousers and black shoes.

The CCTV images also show him carrying a small briefcase and a brown envelope.

"The images of the suspect are very clear and I am certain that someone will be able to help us identify him," says PC Damien Taylor of Whitby Safer Neighbourhood Team.

"Although this is a country-wide appeal, there is a good chance he is based in the London or South East area.

"He has left the victim considerably out of pocket and I would urge anyone who knows who he is to contact the police or Crimestoppers with information.

"I would also like to remind people of the age-old saying that if something appears too good to be true then it most probably is. Please be absolutely certain about who you are dealing with before handing over any money."

Anyone who can help the police with their enquiries is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option 2 – and ask for PC Damien Taylor or Whitby police.